It’s #BookQW and time for our heroine to learn “good” news.
More from Chapter 1:
Gran burst through the door, her pixielike face twisted into a frown. The five songbirds that’d managed to enter with her circled the room and twittered furiously.
Fern bent to hug her. “Are we in trouble?” she whispered.
“No, but you were late, and I have to go.”
“Mom ran late—oh.” Gran was wearing an off-white linen dress, not her work clothes. Her long, wavy hair hung loose instead of in a braid. “You can’t work this evening, then? That’s okay, I can manage.”
Gran patted her cheek. “Good, lass. I’m glad you’re flexible, because I have some news: I have other inspections to attend to, not to mention they are sticklers about favoritism so don’t want me present on my land for the judging because I’m on the council, too. You must complete your trial on your own.”
“What?” Fern gasped, her mind blank for a moment as she tried to keep up. “You are on… What do you mean my trial?”
“Aye. You asked me to stop keeping secrets from you and the time has come for that.” Gran’s brow creased, her bony fingers crushing Fern’s. “Your work on the Meadows is a test to see if you can restore the land despite having no magic yourself. However, I didna tell them you have no magic. Nor that you are Heather’s child. Keep it secret you are my granddaughter until you pass. Then we shall fix that, best we can. But your mother’s blessing—do you have it?”
“Geez, Gran! I thought we’d tell her together.” Fern’s voice rose. Stressed out much? She clenched Gran’s hand, although what she really wanted to do was throw someone to the ground. “And just how will I do these things? A magical place needs magic.”
“Shh. I have but a minute, dear. I know you’re up to taking charge. ’Tis clear you’ve inherited the touch and tha’ is enough. Because I lifted the barrier that kept others out of the Meadows, they are seeing the lovely flowers you have grown and know it is all your doing. But with the barrier gone”—Gran raised a finger—“take care if you see flickering along our boundaries.”
That was why she wasn’t allowed off the property? And never saw anyone else here either? “No nasty neighbors, then?”
“None,” Gran said cheerily. “In fact”—she dropped her voice as the screen door creaked—“I’ve arranged some help for you, though I have no doubt you can complete our work. Stick to the rules.”
At the doorway, Sir Humus poked in his white-haired head at a height that matched Fern’s. “Lark Fields, you know very well a minute is up. Come along now.” He waved a small, tan globe—glass—attached to his watch chain. “Good day, Mistress Fern.” With a nod, he retreated.
Gran pulled Fern down, as if to kiss her cheek, but instead whispered, “I wish you hadn’t been late, lass. Finish your list as best you can. Get your mother’s blessing. And please feed Hilda,” she added louder. Then she pointed at the guinea pig, said, “You be good!” and went outside, the birds with her.
***
A short personal update: We’re practicing social distancing by isolating at home, and I hope all of my readers who can, will do the same for the protection of loved ones and humanity.
My proof for the Large Edition Copy is in the mail andI’ll show it soon!
Stay safe, my friends!
Here’s where you can get The Witch of the Meadows: Buy it!
All 4 Windborne novels now in paperback!
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